Do movies need sequels? Well, we're about to get a lot of them. It's not uncommon, as making every single movie a standalone picture is, well, almost impossible. So if you're gonna make a sequel, here are some things to make in mind to make it great!
Make it a Standalone Sequel
Unless you have to make it a direct sequel, give it it's own story. That doesn't mean you can't reference the first, but don't make the sequel into a product of the first story. Let's look at Spider-Man 2. We had Peter trying to live as both himself and Spider-Man. We didn't have the Harry storyline as the main focus. It was a new story. It didn't stray away from the first, as sequels shouldn't do. But the first movie did not make the second movie. An example of that is Iron Man 2, where the first directly led to the second. Give it it's own story, not one that depends on the first.
Raise the Stakes for the Hero, Not the World
The expression is "bigger is better", but I don't agree with that a hundred percent. Yes, in the sequel the stakes should be raised, but for the hero. We don't need the entire world about to blow up to raise the stakes. For example, in Batman Begins it was Ra's al Ghul's plan to destroy all of Gotham. Then in The Dark Knight, the Joker's plan was to spread anarchy. He didn't necessarily plan to blow up Gotham, or rule it. He just wanted to spread his own ideology, which isn't a bigger plan. It does, however, make a greater impact, as Batman is trying to spread justice. So for him he needs to try and stop the Joker, not for Gotham, but for his mission. Which leads me to my next point...
Make it Personal
Give the hero something to fight that isn't something he wants to. Captain America: The Winter Soldier realized that the best villain (or henchman since he wasn't really the "villain") is someone Captain America won't fight and kill. There needs to be sacrifice for the hero, whether it be Captain America sacrificing his ideals for his friend, Batman sacrificing his image for his city, or Spider-Man sacrificing his life for his responsibilities.
Don't Jump the Gun
This is probably the most important tip of all. Do not assume that your sequel is going to be great. So do not stuff it with stuff for the next movie. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is a direct offender of this. You can leave it open, but don't trap yourself with a cliffhanger ending. Again, The Dark Knight, The Winter Soldier, and Spider-Man 2 have all left an open ending without making it necessary for a sequel. If you must, tease. But don't do it so that the stakes are raised right at the end.
Well, thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed! Thoughts, agree, disagree? Comment below! And if you liked it, show me some love and hit the red thumb! Peace out.